2014 FIFA World Cup Predictions, Preview, Schedule: Brazil vs. Chile, Round of 16
Both Brazil and Chile have earned their right to play in the round of 16. These two teams have just a combined one loss in six games played and will show off their talents in the first knockout round game of the 2014 World Cup on Saturday.
This will be the fourth time these two meet in the FIFA World Cup knockout round in soccer history. Brazil won the previous three contests in 1962 (in Chile), 1998, and 2010. It doesn't get any better than this.
Latin Post.com takes a look at both teams and calls the winner:
Brazil
Brazil has been pretty much flawless so far, with the exception of a tie against Mexico. And there's no shame in drawing to an elite squad like that. With Spain already eliminated, Brazil is the top-ranked team in the tournament and the favorites to win it all, with Germany trailing closely behind. Brazil would love nothing more than to win their sixth World Cup title, and in the meantime, eliminate Chile and then Germany in the semi-finals.
Neymar Santos Jr. has been the leading goal scorer for the Brazilian squad with his four goals. The 22-year-old is playing very in his first World Cup appearance. Goalkeeper Júlio César has not allowed more than one goal in any of the three games played so far. In their last game against Cameroon, their defense only allowed six shots on goal. With an elite defense such as Brazil's, confidence is running sky high for the fans of the host nation.
Chile
Chile has a strong squad this year that is ranked No. 14 overall in the world. This Chilean team has been a bit more balanced than Brazil offensively. Their five goals all come from five separate players making it difficult for an opposing defense to defend against. Chilean fans remember vividly last year, when Brazil eliminated their team in the first round 3-0.
What better way to get revenge than to eliminate the best team in the world and on their home turf? Chile was impressive in Group B with just one loss, to the Netherlands. Chile's head coach is Jorge Sampaoli, who is managing his first World Cup. Chile's team captain is their goalkeeper Claudio Bravo. One could argue the most impressive win of the World Cup so far was Chile's victory over defending champion Spain 2-0.
Predictions
Chile is a good team and has a bright future of them, but Brazil is just too much to compete with for the time being. Chile puts up a fight, but Brazil wins 2-1
Schedule, Date, Location, How to Watch
These two South American nations will face each other at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte in front of about 60,000 fans. The game is scheduled to begin on 12 p.m. EST Saturday on ABC. Fans can watch the game online via the WatchESPN app.
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